March Madness Games Today: Full Schedule, TV Times, and How to Watch

The first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament continues with a full slate of games on Friday.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 8:20am

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The 2026 NCAA Tournament's first round continues on Friday with a full schedule of games. Fans can catch all the action on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with streaming options available through services like Fubo and Sling TV. The day's matchups include several intriguing clashes, including No. 7 Kentucky vs. No. 10 Santa Clara, No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 16 LIU, and No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 15 Tennessee State.

Why it matters

The NCAA Tournament is one of the most exciting events in sports, with upsets, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments that captivate fans across the country. Friday's slate of games promises more of the same, as teams battle to advance in the quest for the national championship.

The details

Friday's first round action tips off at 12:15 p.m. ET with No. 7 Kentucky taking on No. 10 Santa Clara. Other notable matchups include No. 5 Texas Tech vs. No. 12 Akron, No. 3 Virginia vs. No. 14 Wright State, and No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 13 Hofstra. The day's final game features No. 2 UConn against No. 15 Furman at 10 p.m. ET.

  • The first game tips off at 12:15 p.m. ET on Friday, March 20, 2026.
  • The final game of the day is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Kentucky

The No. 7 seed in the tournament, Kentucky is a perennial powerhouse looking to make a deep run.

Santa Clara

The No. 10 seed, Santa Clara is seeking its first NCAA Tournament win since 1995.

Arizona

The No. 1 overall seed, Arizona is the favorite to win the national championship.

LIU

The No. 16 seed, LIU is a long shot to upset the top-seeded Wildcats.

UConn

The No. 2 seed, UConn is looking to add to its storied NCAA Tournament history.

Furman

The No. 15 seed, Furman is aiming to pull off a massive upset against the Huskies.

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The takeaway

Friday's first round action promises more of the excitement and unpredictability that makes the NCAA Tournament one of the most captivating events in sports. Fans can look forward to a full day of high-stakes, win-or-go-home basketball as teams fight to advance in the quest for the national championship.